Michigan awards $44.7 million for career and technical education

The Michigan Department of Education has awarded an additional $44.7 million to 80 school districts to expand career and technical education programs. The competitive grants are intended to increase access to state-approved programs in communities with limited options or documented gaps, giving more students access to career-focused learning in their local schools.

The latest awards bring state funding for the effort to $68.5 million, including money distributed in a first round in April. The funds will be provided over three years and support 229 new programs in 117 districts statewide, including 57 middle schools. State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko said educators, students and community members have emphasized the importance of high-quality, relevant career and technical education. He said the funding will help districts create learning spaces connected to high-wage, high-skill and in-demand careers.

Programs span a range of careers

The new programs cover fields including advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, construction trades, hospitality, health sciences, engineering, cosmetology, digital technology, agriculture and culinary arts. The state describes the grants as a way to expand access to approved programs, particularly where students have limited local options or where gaps in access have been documented. The awards are intended to help districts establish programs and learning spaces, with funding spread across a three-year period rather than delivered all at once.

Oakland County districts receive grants

Three Oakland County districts are among the recipients. Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac received $1,989,336 for middle-school programs in arts, entertainment and design; hospitality administration and management; radio and television broadcasting technology; cosmetology; and business, management and administration. Birmingham Public Schools received $332,980 for mechanical drafting, while Hazel Park School District received $308,011 for aeronautics, aviation and aerospace science and technology. The awards will support programs at different grade levels and across both technical and service-oriented fields.

This report draws on information from The Oakland Press.